"Are we certain that was the right thing to do?" Brehan asked Leliana.

"You don't think furthering the cause of true love is a noble endeavor?" Leliana asked, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Oghren."

"I... see your point. Still, Felsi seems to have his measure. It was sweet of you to help him out like that."

"Did you and the revered mother have a good chat?"

"Oh yes. She will be staying in Redcliffe." She kissed his cheek. "You won't believe how she got those children out of Lothering."

"Tell me."

"It was that trinket you gave her. She ran into some Dalish elves fleeing to the north, and showed it to one of the hunters. She told him a Dalish warden had given it to her, and the hunters got them past the darkspawn."

He shook his head, and laughed. "I... I never really understood why I offered it."

"I think the Maker guided your hand."

"Maybe He did."

#

"Cathiel?"

She turned to see Alistair. "Yes?"

"You know, I've been thinking..."

She started to make a smart remark, and then caught something in his eyes. "What have you been thinking about?"

"Back when we left Goldanna's, you told me I needed to look out for myself more than I do. I'm beginning to think you were right. I need to stop letting everyone else make decisions for me. I need to take a stand and think about myself for a change, or I'm never going to be happy."

She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "It's about time, I say."

"Then from this point on, I'll be looking out for myself more. I should have done this a long time ago." He smiled. "I just wanted to thank you. Being with you is the one bright spot out of everything that's happened."

"I feel the same way." She wrapped her arms around him, and he held her for a moment. "I don't know if you've noticed this, but you've become rather impressive."

"Have I?"

"You took out an ogre. By yourself."

He blinked. "I did?"

She laughed. "You did. Remember, when we were looking for Jerath?"

His eyes widened. "I did, didn't I?"

She kissed him. "My hero."

#

"Hey Saitada."

"Alistair. What can I do for you?"

"I was looking for Jerath to do some sparing, but he's apparently teaching Morrigan to sword fight. Up for a bout?"

She nodded, and walked with him to the ring. "Your training is certainly paying off."

He smiled proudly, then parried her attack. They went back and forth for a few minutes. "I'm wondering something. I'd like to know your thoughts about some of our... traveling companions. Do you mind if I ask?"

"Not as long as you can talk and keep your shield up at the same time," she said. "Why do you want to know?"

"I've got this nefarious plan to go around to each of them and secretly tell them all the nasty things you said. That way they'll mutiny and I shall become the group leader!" He let out an evil laugh, spoiled a bit when he coughed.

"Jerath has mutinied twice already. If you want to lead, all you have to do is ask." She winked at him.

"What? Lead? Me? No, no, no. No leading. Bad things happen when I lead. We get lost, people die, and the next thing you know I'm stranded somewhere without any pants."

"Just so you know, I'm laughing at you, not with you." She feinted and managed to tag him in the side.

"Ouch. Now I'm wounded. Look at me, bleeding all over the place. You're just not very nice, are you?" He shrugged. "Seriously though, I'm only curious."

"Who are you curious about?"

"How about Oghren? You must have an opinion on the smell, at least?"

"He's an excellent warrior."

"Yeah, that's what I thought you'd say. For a drunk, he's an excellent warrior, right? How he lifts his sword is a bit of mystery."

"Before the drink, he won seven provings. I only managed five."

"Oh. Well, as long as we can point him in the right direction, he charges too. He has gusto, I'll give him that. Zevran. You can't... trust him, can you? Do you believe his so-called vow?"

"Maybe. We'll see."

"That's a lot to put on a 'maybe', isn't it? He's an assassin. The Crows aren't known for giving up. Maybe he's just biding his time?"

"Crows and Carta have a lot in common. And yet you trust Brosca." She tried a feint again, and he countered, bringing his shield in to knock her back a step. "I'm willing to give him a chance."

"Well, if you are, then maybe I should, too. But that doesn't mean I won't keep an eye on him. He's just too shifty. And... is he sleeping with Lenore or Brosca?"

"Pretty sure both."

"Think they know that?"

"Considering it's often at the same time, they are probably aware." She had to stop her blow as he stood there slack jawed. She laughed. "Alistair?"

"Sorry, it's just... no, not thinking about that. Lalalala. Okay, Lenore."

"If she'd stop flipping every switch, pulling every lever, activating every nexus, and summoning every demon we run across, I might make it out of the blight with some of my hair still in place."

"What about Sten? He's... quiet... for someone so big."

"I respect him."

"The more I talk to him, the more reasonable he does seem. His philosophy is so strange, but it doesn't sound at all as vile as the Chantry describes it."

She went low, and he jumped the blade rather than parry it, bringing his own to lay against her shoulder. She raised an eyebrow. "Picked that up from Jerath?"

"He's fast. What about him?"

"Sometimes it's hard for me to remember he's only sixteen."

"I thought he was fifteen."

"We met him months ago. Apparently he had a birthday at some point in the intervening time. I admit, I thought Duncan was insane for recruiting him but now... He's skilled, and has been showing some good leadership skills. He certainly keeps Morrigan in line."

"Yeah, what about her?" He came in high, and she sidestepped, placing the point of her blade at his belly. "Do you trust her? Think about it... maybe Flemeth sent her with us for some other reason than she said."

"I've been more or less assuming that is a given, and Morrigan has motives of her own. Even Jerath doesn't trust her. She's useful though."

That's the most sensible thing I've heard out of you yet. Just remember that she's dangerous, too. And evil. And mean." He glanced at her. "Cathiel?"

"If I say anything other than nice things about Cathiel, you are going to sulk and cry."

"Well, not cry. Just pout a bit. Okay, Leliana. Is she crazy? Or do you really believe in her vision?"

"I believe that she believes in her vision."

He winced as she tagged him in the leg. "That's one way to put it. "I don't know what to make of her. If you look at her when she doesn't see you, sometimes she just looks so... so sad. Except when Brehan is around. What about him?"

"I think that he's grown into a fine young man since we found him in the woods."

Alistair laughed. "Yeah, from the little Duncan told me, he was starting to grow concerned somebody'd kill him before the Blight did."

"It was close, I admit." She tagged him in the other leg.

He shook his head. "I think my curiousity is sated, and my dignity bruised."

#

"Saitada, drink?"

Saitada glanced at where Oghren was sitting. "Afraid not. I'm heading out to look over the fortifications."

He nodded, then glanced behind her. "What about you, Junior?"

"No thank you."

"Come on, if you're old enough to tangle with ogres, you're old enough to throw back a mug."

"Your offer is appreciated, but I'd rather not."

Lenore shook her head. "Don't bother, Oghren. He doesn't drink."

"What?" Oghren shook his head in confusion. "You mean like, ever?"

"He is unfortunately dedicated to sobriety. It makes getting him out of his pants rather difficult," Zevran said, and gave regretful sigh.

"Morrigan doesn't seem to have that much trouble," Brosca said.

Saitada sighed. "Will you four be sober enough to get on the road in the morning?"

"I've got a tea for hangovers," Lenore said brightly.

"Oh for..." Saitada sighed, and glanced at Jerath. "At least morale is high. Care to help me check the fortifications?"

He nodded.

"Ah, Wynne..." Oghren called out to the mage. "Care to partake of Oghren's fine homebrew? It's the drink of the gods."

"Mm, ale, is it? And I hope it's brewed hygienically?"

"Of course! I may not know clean from a beggar's ass when it comes to most things, but I don't mess around with my ale."

"Very well, let's have a taste." She watched as he poured, then sniffed it before taking a drink.

Oghren leaned forward eagerly. "Well? Well? What do you think?"

"Very nice."

"You like it? well, I never..."

"Attractive amber color. Nutty flavor, slightly sweet, just a hint of toastiness. There's some spice to it... I'm finding hard to place..."

"Yes? Yes?" Oghren was nearly bouncing out of his chair.

"Is it... cloves?"

He smacked the table triumphantly. "Cloves! By the stone, you're a lady after my own heart. If I weren't buckled into this armor, I'd take you round the corner and... well, you know."

"Give me more ale?"

Saitada sighed, and left the room.

#

Cathiel felt a little envious of how lightly Brehan could move through the woods. She'd managed to keep pace with him in the Deep Roads, but here... How did he manage to keep up that pace without running face first into branches and trees? She grimaced as a spiderweb caught in her hair. Probably blood magic.

"Maker's breath! Where did you get that?" She heard Alistair ask. She turned to see him looking at Jerath. Jerath raised an eyebrow. "That sword."

"Oh. From the Drydens', at Soldier's Peak. Mikhael had it sent to Redcliffe for me." He offered it to Alistair.

Alistair whistled, and tested the balance. "That... is a nice sword." He gave it back almost reluctantly. "What does the writing on the hilt mean?"

Jerath shook his head. "Mikhael's little girl thought it needed a name."

"What'd she decide to call it?"

"Starfang."

"I like it. Next time something knocks you out, I'm stealing it."

#

Brehan held up his hand and gestured for the others to stay back, and continued forward on his own for several paces. Brosca almost jumped when the hunters seemed to almost materialize out of the woods around Brehan. "Andaran atish'an, my friend. You have come a long way. I give you the welcome of our clan." She looked back at the others. "These are curious companions you have. Might I ask the purpose of your visit?"

"I have come on behalf of the Grey Wardens, sister."

"The Grey Wardens? You... have joined their ranks? How unusual! Excuse my surprise... I will take you to the keeper right away."

Brehan turned and gestured for them to follow.

#

The huntress led them into a Dalish encampment. Saitada elbowed Brosca, and nodded to Lenore. Brosca immediately went to retrieve the mage from where she was starting to wander off. Saitada moved up until she was only a pace behind Brehan. She glanced up at his face, and blinked. From his expression, there was clearly something wrong.

They were led to a small grouping of aravels. A man, his face more heavily tattooed than Brehan's, gave them a polite nod of greeting.

"Hmmm... I see we have guests... and one of our own, no less."

"This one is from one of our sister clans to the north, Keeper, but claims to have come on behalf of the Grey Wardens."

"The Grey Wardens? How unusual that one of our own should join their ranks. How did such a thing occur?"

Brehan gave the man a respectful bow. "They need all the assistance they can get."

"Hmmm..." Zathrian gave Brehan a contemplative look. "It is as I feared, then. Very well, let us speak. Ma serannas, Mithra, you may return to your post.

"Ma nuvenin, Keeper," the young woman bowed and left.

"Now, perhaps we might introduce ourselves. I am Zathrian, keeper and hahren of this clan. You are?"

"My name is Brehan, a pleasure to meet you. This is Saitada, my commander."

"If you came to bring news of the Blight in the south, it is not needed. I had already sensed its corruption. I would have taken the clan north by now, had we the ability to move." He gestured to the camp. "Sadly, as you can see, we do not. Do not allow our troubles to burden you, though I suspect they may impact your mission. I imagine you are here regarding the treaty we signed centuries ago. Unfortunately, we may not be able to live up to the promise we made. This will require some... explanation. Please, follow me."

#

He led them to the center of the camp. Men, women, and even children were laying on hastily made pallets. Some looked badly injured. All appeared to be suffering. Brehan's face was dark. Saitada cast her senses, and blinked. She felt no tainted souls save for the wardens themselves.

Zathrian turned to look at them. "The clan came to the Brecilian Forest one month ago, as is our custom when we enter this part of Ferelden. We are always wary of the dangers in the forest, but we did not expect the werewolves would be lying in wait for us. They... ambushed us, and though we drove the beasts back, much damage was done. Many of our warriors lie dying as we speak. Even with all our magic and healing skill, we will eventually be forced to slay our brethren to prevent them from becoming beasts. The Blight's evil must be stopped, but we are in no position to uphold our obligations." He sighed. "I am truly sorry."

"Is there no way to help your men?" Brehan asked. He saw the faces of his own clan in the eyes of the injured.

"The affliction is a curse that runs rampant in their blood, bringing great agony and then ultimately either death or a transformation into something monstrous. The only thing that could help them must come from the source of the curse itself, and that..." He shook his head. "That would be no trivial task to retrieve."

Brehan gestured at his companions. "We are good at non-trival tasks."

Zathrian looked them over, then returned his gaze to Brehan. "Within the Brecilian Forest dwells a great wolf - we call him Witherfang. It was within him that the curse originated, and through his blood that it has been spread. If he is killed and his heart brought to me, perhaps I could destroy the curse, but this task has proven too dangerous for us. I sent some hunters into the forest a week ago, but they have not returned. I cannot risk any more of my clan."

Brehan gave Saitada a beseeching look. She glanced back at the others. They were a mix of frustrated and encouraging looks, but no actual objection. She nodded to Brehan. "We'll find this Witherfang for you" he told the Keeper.

"I must warn you that more than werewolves lurk in the Brecilian Forest. It has a history full of carnage and murder, you see. Where there is so much death, the Veil separating the spirit realm from our own becomes thin, allowing spirits to possess things living or dead. But if you can indeed help..." He sighed, and then nodded. "Then I wish you luck."

"We will need some supplies," Saitada noted.

"Then I suggest you see Master Varathorn. I will instruct him to put aside some supplies for you, the kind that the hunters use."

#

"Walk into the forest and cut out the heart of a particular werewolf?" Lenore asked, her tone skeptical. "It can't be that simple."

Brehan nodded. "It won't be. He was not exaggerating the dangers of the forest. My clan never stayed in this forest long."

Saitada nodded. "Lenore, Wynne, see if you can't assist the clan healers a little, find out a bit more about this affliction. Brehan, what would you suggest?"

"We might speak with the storyteller. He might know something more about the area." Brehan frowned thoughtfully. "And we should seek out Master Varathorn, stock up on potions before we go in."

Saitada nodded. "We should rest a bit before heading out into the forest."

Brehan glanced at the others hesitantly. "I'd stay close to the center of camp and be mindful. The Dalish are unused to strangers in their midst and..."

"Occasionally resemble the north end of a southbound donkey?" Brosca asked innocently.

"Just keep in mind that my clan considered me quite charming," Brehan said with a smile.

"Maker have mercy," Cathiel muttered fondly.

#

They found the storyteller at the fire.

"Andaran atish'an, Lethallin! Would you come and help us break our fast?"

Brehan gestured at his companions. "We would like that."

He spread his hands in a gesture of welcome. "Come, then, and sit. Join us by the fire. I am Hahren Sarel, the clan's storyteller. You have one in your own clan I assume?"

"Yes, Paivel, our elder. I was his apprentice."

"Ah! Hahren Paivel still lives? That is good, for he was old even when I was but da'len. How lucky you are to have been reared with his tales. I notice you are... not alone. These companions of yours are Grey Wardens like yourself?"

"Some of them, yes."

"I am Leliana, and no Grey Warden at all. I am honored to be here; I've heard so much about your people."

"Andaran atish'an - enter this place in peace. I do find it odd that any of your kind would so readily follow one of the Dalish." He glanced at Brehan. "Do you suppose you have been made a Grey Warden simply to get our assistance? Maybe they think we would not live up to the treaty otherwise."

"I assure you that's not the case." He was about to tell Sarel about how he'd been saved by Duncan when the man angrily shook his head.

"Oh, you do, do you? No offense, young one, but you don't know half the-"

"Please, Hahren Sarel, you are being most unkind to one who is not only of our blood, but also a guest who is here to help us."

"Of course... I apologize for my rudeness. Our losses have been great and I am... not myself."

"The hahren's own wife has perished from the werewolf's curse. We are mourning her death, here, and so many more to come."

"Not if I can help it." Brehan gave Sarel a gesture of respect.

"We are glad to hear it. I should not have suspected otherwise. These have not been easy days for us, and the idea that we may yet have to abandon our ill to their fate...But let us not dwell on our problems. Is there something we can do to help you in your quest?"

"What can you tell us about the forest?"

"I know a few tales. Our clan has passed this way many times before, even when the shemlen lived in these parts. If you wish, I can tell you what I know. It is not a long story."

"Yes, tell us of the forest."

"Our legends say that before the shemlen came, the Brecilian forest was a place of our ancestors that predated even our oldest homeland. The people of the Imperium came here and gave the forest its name. If they found traces of our ancestors, we cannot say. If they did, those elves were slain or enslaved. We know only that a great many battles were fought here; these trees grow upon the graves of those who fell - shemlen and elves both."

"And those battles... tore the Veil?" Lenore asked.

"Indeed, very wise of you. There was so much death that the Veil into the Beyond was torn. The shemlen know the Beyond as "the Fade", the place of dreams and spirits. When the Veil is torn, spirits pass into our world freely. The legends say that one great spirit possessed the wolf that became Witherfang, who passed its curse of rage onto men and created werewolves.

"This Witherfang still exists today?" Brehan asked.

"So Zathrian insists. He says that Witherfang does not age as the werewolves do. Witherfang is as much spirit as it is beast, and thus it is immortal. Perhaps it cannot even be slain. At the very least, it is old and powerful, much as Zathrian himself."

Saitada leaned forward. "How many werewolves are there?"

"No one knows. When the shemlen lived in these parts, the curse would spread anew to a few of them with each passing year. They would run off into the forest, never to be seen again. Eventually, all the shemlen left. One assumes the werewolves survive by passing their curse to their offspring. They have had no new blood... until now, that is."

Brehan glanced back towards the wounded. "Have the hunters become werewolves?"

"It is said that one or two have turned already, though the keeper denies it. As for the rest, they will either die or turn, unless..." He sighed. "They are killed out of mercy. I would rather die than become a ravening, soulless beast. Wouldn't you?"

Brehan nodded. That was the very choice that would one day await him. "That's all we needed to know."

"One last warning: the forest is like a thing alive. It changes as it wills, closing paths behind you and opening up new ones. Too many have become lost within, unable to find their way out. Were I you I would endeavor not to make the forest my enemy."

"Have you ever heard of an elf named Aneirin?" Jerath's voice asked quietly.

Wynne glanced at him in surprised. "I... I appreciate you trying to find him but what are the chances - -"

"Aneirin the healer...?"

"You... know Aneirin?"

Wynne looked shocked. "He... he lives? No, it can't be him. Perhaps it is a common elven name..."

"No, I know of only one Aneirin."

"Ah, it make sense! Aneirin said that he was from the human cities. You are old friends then?"

"If it is the same Aneirin, then yes, Wynne knows him," Jerath said.

"If you seek Aneirin, you must venture into the forest. He prefers to be amidst the trees and the animals."

"Thank you all so much." Brehan thought he saw a small tear in Wynne's eyes as she spoke.

#

Brehan led Leliana over to the halla enclosure. The bard's eyes lit up at the sight of the animals. "Oh, they are beautiful."

A woman looked up, startled. "Who comes-?! Aneth ara! I was so busy attending the halla, I did not hear you coming."

Brehan gave her a concerned look, then gestured. "I notice you've separated this halla from the herd."

"I fear she may have been bitten during the werewolf attack. I have tried speaking with her, but she is too agitated for me to understand. The curse would not affect her as it would us, but it would still be lethal. And it may prove contagious to the other halla as well. I can find no wound on her, but if she's truly ill, then..." She sighed. "Then I will have to put her out of her misery. For her sake as well as that of the others.

Brehan frowned. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I don't know. Do you have any skills that might help her? If you do, I would be grateful."

Brehan gently extended a hand to the halla, letting it grow accustomed to his scent before he caressed its nose gently. It blew air on his hand, but let him approach, calming as he spoke to it softly in elvish.

"Yes... that's it. She's calming down! That's it, love. Be calm. Tell me what troubles you..." She pressed her ear to the halla's throat as the halla made a soft, almost trilling noise. "Ah, I see. It is her life-mate who is sick, not her. He was bitten on the leg during the attack and she fears greatly for him. I did not realize another halla was injured. This will allow me to prevent the sickness from spreading to the entire herd. Ma serannas. You have done my clan a great boon this day. I will always be grateful for your help."

Brehan smiled. "Unnecessary. It's... good, to see halla again. Some days I miss them more than my clan." He rubbed the halla gently, and she responded by leaning into him affectionately, pinning him between herself and the enclosure and making the liquid trilling sound again.

"May I..." Leliana asked hesitantly. Elora gave her a friendly nod as she went to check on the other halla. Brehan continued petting the halla with one hand as he gently extended his other to Leliana. She took it and approached slowly. The halla took a step backwards, but extended her neck to sniff at Leliana's outstretched hand. She allowed Leliana to stroke her nose a few times before moving away. "Oh, she was so soft... silkier than a horse. More like... like a rabbit or cat."

Brehan smiled. "Smarter than a horse as well. They can be stubborn, but have long been friends to the Dalish. Horses must be led. Halla know where they are going."

"Thank you for showing me."

He smiled, then leaned and whispered to the halla. "I have to go now. I have to help save our friends."

It made one more trilling noise, then stepped back so he could leave. Leliana raised an eyebrow. "Do they really understand you?"

"At least on the same level Griffon understands Cathiel."

#

"You're a dwarf, aren't you? If you get no sun, shouldn't you be all white?

Saitada grinned at the Dalish child. "No, we dwarves come in all colors, just like rocks do."

"I've never seen a rock that color before" the child said, pointing at Saitada's hair.

"Ah, but have you seen lava before? Stone hot enough to become molten?"

The child's eye widened in fascination. "I wish I could see Orzammar some day. Does it really have a great lake of lava?"

"It does indeed. Waterfalls flow down into it from the Diamond Quarter."

"Wow!" The child glanced over at Jerath. "How come you aren't a Dalish like us?"

Saitada chuckled. "Surely you know not all elves are Dalish? Jerath here is from the cities."

The child pondered that a moment. "Are you very sad? Elves shouldn't have to live with humans if they don't want to. It's too bad you don't have a clan of your own."

Jerath stood and walked away, leaving the child looking after him curiously. Saitada sighed before addressing the child. "So, where are your markings? I thought all Dalish were born with them."

"No, silly, you don't get them until you are a grown up."

#

The pitying looks annoyed him. They had their lives. He had his. He supposed he could pity them for never being able to stay in one place for more than a few days. Then Jerath sighed, and told himself he was being unfair. The Dalish were what they were, and he knew Brehan had been just as uncomfortable and stared at in Denerim.

Another of the Dalish saw him. This one, however, simply nodded. "I greet you, stranger. It is good to see another elf, even if you are not one of the wander clans. I trust my people have not been too harsh in their treatment of you?"

"I don't mind. I understand." He was strange to them, and they weren't at their best.

"That is very generous of you. Most would assume we are unkind as a rule, and that is not the case... especially not to a Grey Warden. But we have lost much, and it is easy to forget simple niceties at such a time. I understand you will search for the wolves in the Brecilian Forest. I would join you, but Zathrian has... forbidden me."

Jerath raised an eyebrow. "Forbidden you?"

The other man looked frustrated. "We are banned from entering the forest now. I have... more cause than most, but I will not disobey my keeper."

"Why do you want to enter the forest?"

He sighed. "I suppose there is no harm in telling a fellow elf, but surely you have greater concerns than any problem of mine, no?"

The longer he was involved in this conversation, the better excuse he'd have not to go back over to where everyone was staring. "I'd like to hear about it."

"Well, perhaps you could help me with it. I would certainly appreciate anything you could do. My wife, Danyla, and I both fought the werewolves in the ambush. She was injured so gravely the curse spread rapidly in her. Zathrian fought hard to ease her pain, but there was little he could do. And though he says that Danyla is dead, he will not let me see her... her body. I am beginning to believe she became a werewolf, and that it is being kept from me so I do not go chasing after her... If I could just... know if Danyla is alive, or what happened to her... then I could be at peace."

"I'm sorry, that's terrible."

"Ma serannas - thank you. The keeper means well, but... I must discover the truth truth for myself. If you are in the forest, perhaps you might... come across her, alive or dead. Any news would be better than none. And in return, I would be happy to gift you an amulet made by our craftsmen. It may fetch you some coin in the human lands."

"I'll see what I can do." They were going out into the woods anyway. Briefly, he wondered what it was about him that made so many approach him for help. Some sort of lingering aura from the spirit?

"You are most kind."

He saw Saitada gesture to him. "I should go."